Background

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed commodities with enormous economic, social, and environmental impacts worldwide. Climate change threatens both the productivity of coffee agro-systems and the livelihoods of farmers. Indonesia and Malaysia, major coffee-producing countries, aim to expand production and exports while addressing sustainability demands, including compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Circular economy principles can transform coffee value chains by reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and improving socio-economic equity. This includes reusing coffee by-products, applying digital technologies, and ensuring inclusive participation of women farmers.

The project

COFFEE STORY will:

• Develop technologies for upcycling coffee by-products into cellulose-based biomaterials (for healthcare), oil recovery (for cosmetics/pharma), and biogas.
• Improve supply chain management via carbon footprint analysis and blockchain technologies.
• Establish a new extension system to empower smallholder farmers, with a focus on gender equity.
• Apply participatory approaches to strengthen collaboration between universities, research institutes, companies, governments, and communities of practice.
• Provide policy recommendations through a life cycle analysis (LCA) of coffee circularity outcomes.

The science

The project combines materials science, supply chain management, gender studies, and sustainability science. Key areas include:

• Upcycling technologies to convert coffee waste into valuable products.
• Blockchain-enabled digital tools to improve traceability and transparency.
• Carbon footprint and LCA to measure environmental performance.
• Gender-focused frameworks for equitable participation of women in coffee farming.
• Multi-stakeholder participatory approaches to bridge science, policy, and practice.

The team

• Dr. Yessie Widya Sari (Coordinator), IPB University, Indonesia
• Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Prof. Arif Behic Tekin, Ege University, Türkiye
• Dr. Pelin Ilhan, PA Biotechnology Industry Trade Inc., Türkiye
• Prof. Jutta Geldermann, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Contact

Dr. Yessie Widya Sari                 E-Mail: yessie.sari@apps.ipb.ac.id 

Background

The shift towards Net Zero Emission requires rapid deployment of renewable energy, with residential solar PV offering high potential. However, adoption rates remain below expectations due to behavioral, socio-economic, and policy barriers.

Energy systems are not merely technical infrastructures but are shaped by social, environmental, economic, and political dimensions. Addressing all aspects together, rather than sequentially, is essential for a holistic and integrated renewable energy transition.

The project

STAR-SOLAR will:

• Analyse current public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of solar PV.
• Evaluate residential PV system performance under diverse environmental conditions.
• Develop sustainable business models for PV adoption.
• Create innovative awareness strategies through gamification.
• Develop an AI-based system for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of PV systems.

A three-year programme with mixed methods (quantitative surveys, social media analysis, field data collection, strategic business modelling, gamified tools, and AI system development) is planned.

Expected outcomes: deeper understanding of behavioural barriers, enhanced PV system designs, validated business models, and novel public engagement strategies, boosting adoption nationally and internationally.

The science

The project combines engineering, behavioural science, digitalisation, and sustainability research. Key research areas include:

• Survey and social media analysis of public perception.
• Empirical testing of PV systems in varying climates.
• Business model design for scalable residential PV adoption.
• Game-based educational tools to increase awareness.
• Development of AI algorithms for predictive maintenance and monitoring.

The team

• Dr. Yun Prihantina Mulyani (Coordinator), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia
• Dr. Yousra Sidqi, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland
• Dr. Vannak Vai, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
• Prof. Hideaki Ohgaki, Kyoto University, Japan

Contact

Dr. Yun Prihantina Mulyani                     E-Mail: yun.prihantina@ugm.ac.id 

Background

Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of crude palm oil, a key biofuel feedstock. However, the industry faces criticism for unsustainable practices, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution.

Palm oil residues represent a large, underused resource that could be transformed into value-added products. Soils in Malaysia are often sandy, acidic, and nutrient-poor, limiting agricultural productivity. Biochar and related products can improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and contribute to sustainable land management.

By applying circular economy principles to palm oil residues, WASTE4CHAR addresses both environmental impacts and food security challenges.

The project

WASTE4CHAR will:

• Apply pyrolysis and HTC processes to palm oil residues with varying properties.
• Engineer biochar and carbon-rich materials for use as soil amendments and renewable energy carriers.
• Conduct greenhouse experiments to test soil fertility and crop yield impacts.
• Investigate combustion behavior and gasification potential of chars for energy applications.
• Use modelling and life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate environmental and economic performance.
• Develop pathways for integrating carbon materials into sustainable agricultural and energy systems.

The science

The project combines engineering, soil science, chemistry, and environmental analysis. Key scientific components include:

• Thermo-chemical conversion of organic residues to tailor structural and chemical properties of biochar.
• Greenhouse testing of biochar effects on crop yields in tropical soils.
• Analysis of chars’ combustion and gasification properties for energy production.
• LCA-based evaluation of sustainability and climate benefits.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration to link waste valorisation with circular agriculture and renewable energy.

The team

• Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer (Coordinator), Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
• Dr. Gozde Duman Tac, Ege University, Turkey
• Prof. Dr. Nik Nazri Nik Ghazali, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
• Dr. Chau Huyen Dang, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Silvia Romàn Suero, Universidad de Extremadura, Spain
• Prof. Dr. Meisam Tabatabaei, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Contact

Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer                      E-Mail: beatrice.kulli@zhaw.ch 

Background

Medical products such as bandages and wound dressings are predominantly cotton-based, yet cotton cultivation has a significant environmental impact and most countries depend on imports. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains and the need for local, sustainable sources of critical materials.

Poultry feathers (keratin) and crab/insect shells (chitin/chitosan) are produced in massive quantities worldwide as industrial waste. Improper disposal causes environmental problems, while both keratin and chitin exhibit antibacterial properties, making them ideal for medical applications. Upcycling these resources reduces CO₂ emissions, avoids waste, and creates fully biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fibres.

The project

RegFibMed will:

• Develop keratin-based hydrogel fibres for wound dressings, artificial plant growth media, and tissue engineering scaffolds with controlled compound release.
• Create keratin–chitin hybrid fibres with improved mechanical stability, suitable as support fabrics or sustainable substitutes for nylon and polyester.
• Apply wet-spinning techniques from aqueous solutions, ensuring environmentally friendly production.
• Close the materials cycle by ensuring full biodegradability of fibres.
• Strengthen local economies and resilience by using abundant, locally available waste resources.

The science

The project integrates polymer chemistry, biomaterials, fibre technology, and biomedical applications. Key research focuses include:

• Hydrogel fibre design based on keratin with swelling and drug-release properties.
• Hybrid keratin–chitin fibres for durability and textile-like applications.
• Process development for fibre spinning using aqueous, sustainable methods.
• Material characterisation for antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
• Testing in biomedical and textile contexts to validate real-world applications.

The team

• Prof. Dr. Oliver Weichold (Coordinator), RWTH Aachen University, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Arunee Kongdee Aldred, Maejo University, Thailand
• Prof. Dr. Thomas Bechtold, University of Innsbruck, Austria

Contact

Prof. Dr. Oliver Weichold                        E-Mail: weichold@ibac.rwth-aachen.de 

Background

Ageing populations in Thailand and Europe are driving a significant increase in demand for orthopaedic implants. By 2040, 30% of Thailand’s population will be over 60 years old, while in Austria and Germany about 30% of people are already in this age group. At present, over 95% of orthopaedic devices in Thailand are imported, creating cost and accessibility challenges.

Lowering the cost of titanium implants while improving patient-specific designs is crucial for faster recovery, healthier lives after surgery, and sustainable healthcare. Recycling titanium scraps into high-quality powder and reducing binder toxicity in additive manufacturing can significantly cut costs, reduce waste, and align with the UN SDGs 3 (Health and Well-being) and 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production).

The project

ReTiAM will:

• Develop a novel recycling process for titanium scraps into high-grade powder suitable for MEX (Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany).
• Investigate environmentally friendly bio-based binders for titanium feedstock (Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Austria).
• Conduct systematic testing of recycled titanium powders with bio-based binders in MEX processes (MTEC and Taisei Kogyo, Thailand).
• Benchmark recycled feedstock performance against conventional titanium materials.
• Disseminate results through academic publications, international conferences, and public seminars.

The science

The project combines materials science, powder metallurgy, polymer processing, and additive manufacturing. Key research contributions include:

• Development of a recycling route for titanium scraps with reduced energy consumption and lower costs.
• Design of sustainable binders for MEX additive manufacturing.
• Integration of recycled powder and bio-binders into near-net-shape additive processes.
• Comprehensive characterisation (SEM, EBSD, TEM, CT-scan, mechanical testing) of recycled titanium feedstocks.
• Demonstration of the feasibility of recycled, environmentally friendly feedstocks for orthopaedic device applications.

The team

• Dr. Anchalee Manonukul (Coordinator), National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Thailand
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Florian Pyczak, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon GmbH, Germany
• Univ.Prof. Dr. Clemens Holzer, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Austria
• Dr. Makiko Tange, Taisei Kogyo Co., Ltd., Thailand

Contact

Dr. Anchalee Manonukul                        E-Mail: anchalm@mtec.or.th 

Background

Plastic waste poses one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide. At the same time, the global shift to clean energy calls for efficient, affordable, and sustainable hydrogen production technologies.

Traditional catalyst systems for water splitting often rely on expensive, non-abundant materials. Transforming plastic waste (such as PET, PP, and PE) into porous carbons and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offers a novel route to generate cost-effective catalysts. Such waste-derived catalysts not only mitigate plastic pollution but also contribute to renewable hydrogen production, supporting circular economy principles.

The project

WPlast2H2 will:

• Establish a multidisciplinary framework linking waste management and hydrogen generation.
• Apply Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) to evaluate barriers and opportunities in regional waste upcycling.
• Convert plastic and metal wastes into high-surface-area carbon materials and photoactive MOFs.
• Optimise these materials as catalysts for water splitting under photo- and electro-catalytic conditions.
• Validate catalyst performance with natural water sources and commercial electrolyser compatibility.
• Advance development from proof-of-concept (TRL 3) toward demonstration stages (TRL 5–6).

The science

The project integrates synthetic chemistry, catalysis, waste management, and decision modelling. Key scientific goals include:

• Novel low-temperature conversion methods for plastic waste into porous carbons.
• Design of MOFs from waste plastics as organic ligand sources.
• Advanced catalyst testing for electrolysis, photocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis.
• Application of operando characterisation to optimise catalyst structure–function relationships.
• Linking waste valorisation to green hydrogen pathways in line with UN SDGs and national priorities.

The team

• Assist. Prof. Esmaeil Doust Khah Heragh (Coordinator), Istinye University (ISU), Turkey
• Dr. Olga Guselnikova, Centre for Electrochemical Surface Technology, Austria
• Prof. Makoto Ogawa, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Thailand
• Ján Lancok, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic

Contact

Assist. Prof. Esmaeil Doust Khah Heragh                       E-Mail: esmail.doustkhah@istinye.edu.tr 

Background

The construction industry is responsible for significant CO₂ emissions and urgently needs alternative low-carbon materials. Geopolymers are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to Portland cement. However, conventional two-part geopolymers depend on sodium silicate solution, which limits large-scale application.

One-part geopolymers present an innovative alternative, with potential for industrial adoption. Combining industrial waste streams with natural zeolites for carbon sequestration and adapting the resulting mortar for 3D printing can enable both environmental and economic benefits, aligned with circular economy principles.

The project

Eco_GeoPrint will:

• Utilise mineral wool production waste and kiln ashes as precursors in one-part geopolymer mortar.
• Develop an in-house sodium silicate activator from waste materials.
• Incorporate natural zeolites to enhance carbon sequestration in foamed geopolymer mortar.
• Adapt the designed mortar for 3D printing of pre-cast building elements.
• Conduct life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic analyses to evaluate environmental and economic feasibility.
• Build a statistical model to correlate raw material characteristics with performance and carbon capture potential, addressing variability in waste streams.

The science

The project integrates materials science, civil engineering, circular economy, and digital fabrication. Core research aspects include:

• Development of waste-based activators and sustainable mix designs.
• Structural, durability, and carbon capture testing of geopolymer mortars.
• Adaptation of formulations for additive manufacturing (3D printing).
• Advanced modelling and atomistic simulations to link raw material variability to performance.
• LCA and techno-economic assessments for industrial scalability.

The team

• Dr. Kaan Aksoy (Coordinator), Betek Boya ve Kimya Sanayi A.S., Turkey
• Dr. Muhammad Al Muttaqii, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
• Prof. Ubagaram Johnson Alengaram, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
• Assoc. Prof. Zeynep Bundur, Özyegin University, Türkiye

Contact:

Dr. Kaan Aksoy                            E-Mail: Kaan.Aksoy@betek.com.tr 

Background

Water hyacinth is one of the world’s most destructive aquatic weeds, clogging waterways, reducing biodiversity, and impacting local economies. Current management practices rely heavily on costly and environmentally damaging mechanical or chemical methods.

The fungal pathogen Paramyrothecium eichhorniae shows potential as a biological control agent against water hyacinths. At the same time, degraded plant biomass could be repurposed, for example, into bio-composite materials or food/feed after ensuring safety from mycotoxins. Such innovations would link invasive plant management to circular economy strategies.

The project

DANE will:

• Conduct population and comparative genomics of E. crassipes and P. eichhorniae.
• Perform pathogenicity assays to evaluate fungal efficacy across different clones of water hyacinth.
• Explore feasibility of developing bio-composite materials from P. eichhorniae-degraded biomass.
• Assess safety of degraded material for food and feed by detecting possible mycotoxins.
• Provide cutting-edge knowledge on fungal biocontrol, enabling future large-scale application.
• Establish a multidisciplinary collaboration between Thailand, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

The science

The project combines evolutionary genomics, plant pathology, and materials research. Core scientific components include:

• Genomic analyses of pathogen–host interactions.
• Pathogenicity testing under controlled conditions.
• Bio-composite material development from fungal-degraded biomass.
• Mycotoxin detection and safety assessment.

The team

• Dr. Noppol Kobmoo (Coordinator), National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand
• Prof. Daniel Croll, University of Neuchatel, Switzerland
• Dr. Eliška Záveská, Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic
• Assoc. Prof. Jintana Unartgnam, Kasetsart University, Thailand
• Dr. Awanwee Petchkongkaew, Thammasat University, Thailand

Contact

Dr. Noppol Kobmoo                   E-Mail: noppol.kob@biotec.or.th 

Background

The growing urgency of reducing carbon emissions has placed carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) at the forefront of climate mitigation. Recycling CO₂ into fuels and fine chemicals is crucial to achieve net zero emissions. However, the high cost and limited availability of efficient catalysts remain key bottlenecks.

Waste materials from agriculture, sludge, and industrial processes such as spent battery components represent underutilized resources that can be transformed into catalysts. Leveraging such waste not only provides cost-effective catalyst solutions but also minimizes environmental impact and waste generation.

The project

RECO2VER will:

• Develop novel, cost-efficient catalysts derived from biomass, sludge, and industrial waste.
• Employ advanced characterization methods (XAS, NAP-XPS, DRIFTS, DR-UV-vis) to understand catalyst structure and performance.
• Convert CO₂ into synthetic fuels and fine chemicals through sustainable catalytic processes.
• Apply a life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate environmental impact and ensure sustainable design.
• Strengthen cooperation between Southeast Asian and European partners to advance green circular economy pathways.

The science

The project integrates catalysis, materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental analysis. Key research dimensions include:

• Synthesis of waste-derived catalysts and optimization for CO₂ conversion.
• Operando and in-situ characterization to design more efficient catalysts.
• Development of catalytic processes for CO₂-to-fuels and CO₂-to-chemicals pathways.
• Assessment of sustainability through LCA to align with circular economy principles.

The team

• Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong (Coordinator), National Nanotechnology Center, Thailand
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karin Föttinger, Technische Universität Wien, Austria
• Dr. Angga Hermawan, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
• Dr. Ali M. Abdel-Mageed, Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, Rostock, Germany

Contact

Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong                              E-Mail: pongtanawat@nanotec.or.th

PROJECT

8th Joint Call: BES4H2

The proposal aims to produce green hydrogen from wastewater using bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). By integrating electrochemical and biological processes, BES4H2 develops innovative technologies that transform wastewater into a valuable resource for reuse, recycling, and clean energy generation, contributing to the circular economy.

Background

The global shift towards a hydrogen society is central to addressing climate change, pollution, and energy security. Hydrogen produced from renewable resources is a key element in decarbonisation strategies. Wastewater, traditionally seen as waste, can instead be harnessed as a renewable resource.

Bioelectrochemical systems (MFCs and MECs) show great promise for wastewater valorisation, but challenges in scalability, system optimization, and economic feasibility remain. Addressing these barriers is essential to move BES from laboratory-scale research to real-world applications.

The project

BES4H2 will:

• Develop cost-effective electrode pairs using non-precious metal catalysts via electrodeposition.
• Design and test multipurpose membranes for proton transport with high resistance and selectivity, including applications in hydrogen purification.
• Optimise system design and operation using computational modelling, validated by experimental data.
• Conduct pre-pilot testing with industrial wastewater to evaluate performance and hydrogen yields.
• Assess environmental, social, and economic impacts through life-cycle and socio-technical analysis.

The science

The project integrates electrochemistry, microbiology, engineering, and sustainability sciences. Core innovations include:

• Novel electrode materials with enhanced catalytic performance and durability.
• Advanced multipurpose membranes for energy-efficient proton transfer.
• Hybrid computational–experimental approaches for design optimisation.
• Pre-pilot testing with real wastewater streams to ensure scalability.
• Comprehensive evaluation of environmental, economic, and social impacts to support circular economy adoption.

The team

• Dr. Korakot Sombatmankhong (Coordinator), National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), Thailand
• Prof. Patricia Luis Alconero, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
• Dr. Muhammad Khristamto Aditya Wardana, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Contact

Dr. Korakot Sombatmankhong                            E-Mail: korakot.som@entec.or.th 

Background

Global energy demand is projected to reach nearly 26 TW by 2040. Both Europe and Asia are undergoing a major transition from fossil fuel dependence to renewable, sustainable energy systems, in line with the UN SDGs (particularly SDG 7: “Affordable and Clean Energy”), the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key pathway to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an estimated demand of 500 million tons of renewable hydrogen. However, today’s electrolyser technologies remain costly compared to fossil-based hydrogen production. While PEM electrolysis is commercialized, its reliance on scarce iridium hinders cost reductions. Alkaline and AEM electrolysis offer lower-cost options but require further development for durability, efficiency, and commercial uptake.

The direct use of seawater as an electrolyte represents a breakthrough opportunity: it is abundant, widely available, and could significantly reduce production costs for green hydrogen.

The project

SeaWHY will:

• Develop new electrode materials and catalysts for seawater electrolysis across PEM, alkaline, and photoelectrochemical technologies.
• Test seawater electrolysis at different concentrations to identify optimal conditions.
• Advance durability, performance, and cost reduction strategies for AEM and PEM electrolysers.
• Explore photoelectrochemical approaches to combine renewable solar energy with seawater electrolysis.
• Build regional cooperation between partners in Europe (Turkey, Bulgaria) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Brunei) for knowledge transfer and technology demonstration.

The science

The project combines electrochemistry, nanomaterials, catalysis, and renewable energy systems. Key research aspects include:

• Development of transition-metal catalysts (e.g. Ni, Ti, Mn, Zr, phosphides, oxides) for efficient seawater electrolysis.
• Design of selective, corrosion-resistant electrodes suited for real seawater conditions.
• Testing of new electrolysis cell designs to improve performance and durability.
• Integration of seawater electrolysis with broader circular economy and net-zero energy strategies.

The team

• Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Suha Yazici (Coordinator), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey
• Dr. Nordin Bin Hj. Sabli, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Dr. Dzhamal Uzun, Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, Bulgaria
• Dr. Abdul Hanif Mahadi, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Suha Yazici                       E-Mail: syazici@itu.edu.tr